Country ISO code: QA

Official language: Arabic

Language ISO code: ar

Current official currency: Qatari Riyal

Currency ISO code: QAR

Complete Financial History of the State of Qatar

Current official currency: Qatari Riyal (QR)

• ISO code: QAR

• Symbols: QR, ر.ق

• Singular name: Riyal

• Plural name: Riyals

• Monetary subdivision: 1 Riyal = 100 Dirhams

• Fraction singular name: Dirham

• Fraction plural name: Dirhams

• Initial production date: 1966 (modern Qatari Riyal introduced)

• Final production date: Still in circulation

• Initial circulation date: 1966

• Final circulation date: Still in circulation

• Mint: Qatar Mint and contracted international mints

• Issuing bank: Qatar Central Bank

Coin denominations

• 1 Dirham

• 5 Dirhams

• 10 Dirhams

• 25 Dirhams

• 50 Dirhams

• 1 Riyal

Banknote denominations

• 1 Riyal

• 5 Riyals

• 10 Riyals

• 50 Riyals

• 100 Riyals

• 200 Riyals

• 500 Riyals

Economic and historical context

• Qatar is a sovereign state in the Arabian Gulf region, experiencing significant economic growth since its independence in 1971, driven by vast oil and natural gas reserves.

• The Qatari Riyal is pegged to the US dollar at a fixed rate of 1 USD = 3.65 QAR, ensuring currency stability.

• The economy is diversified with major investments in infrastructure, education, health, sports, and culture.

• The Qatar Central Bank is responsible for monetary policy, currency issuance, and banking regulation.

Minting and production locations

• Coins and banknotes are produced at Qatar Mint, with some production outsourced to international mints.

Designs and symbols on coins and banknotes

• Coins feature national symbols such as the state emblem and traditional motifs.

• Banknotes display images of Qatari landmarks, state symbols, and Arabic calligraphy.

Production volumes, honorees, and seals

• Detailed production volumes are not publicly available.

• Commemorative coins and banknotes have been issued on special national occasions.

Commemorative coins and curiosities

• Qatar issues commemorative coins celebrating national, sporting, and cultural events.

Current circulation status

• The Qatari Riyal is the sole legal tender actively circulating in Qatar and used for all financial transactions.

Issuing authority

• Qatar Central Bank

Relevant monetary legislation

• Currency issuance is governed by Qatar Central Bank laws and national financial regulations.

Names and titles of banknote signatories

• Banknotes bear the signature of the Governor of Qatar Central Bank.

Persons honored on coins and banknotes

• Coins and banknotes honor national symbols and heritage elements, without focusing on specific individuals.

Official language recognized by the state for administrative, legislative, judicial, monetary, and educational use:
Arabic is the official language of Qatar, used in all official domains, with widespread use of English in education and commerce.